The Blue and the Black (1966) [N/A]
Featuring:
Dai Lin, Shan Kwan, Han Chin
Written by:
Ching Doe
Lan Wang
Directed by:
Ching Doe
Release Date:
June 29, 1966
Original Title:
藍與黑
Alternate Titles:
The Blue and the Black (Part 1)
藍與黑(上)
Genres:
Drama | Romance | War
Production Companies:
Shaw Brothers
Production Countries:
Hong Kong
Ratings / Certifications:
N/A
Runtime: 118
It's a powerful melodrama about a thwarted romance in 1930s Tientsin, China, during the Japanese occupation, and it stars Linda Lin Dai, one of the era's most popular stars. It was part of Golden Horse's 100 Greatest Chinese-Language Films.
In this film, which is the first of two parts, the incomparable Lin Dai plays Tang Qi and Kwan Shan plays Xing Ya. He is infatuated with her, and why not? Ms. Dai was a beautiful young lady, she lights up the screen. She also committed suicide before the wrap of part 2 (this film was released separately in two parts, owing to its 4 hour length). Even 40 years plus on, it is such a massive shame Ms. Dai killed herself. Qi and Xing play lovers whose families are opposed to being together. The film is set during the Japanese occupation of World War 2, and that thread in mostly in the background for this part. You are mostly dealing with the forbidden love here. The colors of this film are vibrant, the film has a richness that is very appealing. Various things happen to Qi, and the film is very melodramatic, a Shaw Brothers trademark. Since there is a part 2, the film doesn't resolve itself here. One minor complaint is that Ms. Dai and Mr. Shan are older in years than their roles, especially Mr. Shan. However, if you like a forbidden love story, you could do a lot worse. One caution: If you buy the DVD, don't watch the Special Feature interviews before watching part 2. One of the interviewees gave away the ending. Too late for me, doesn't have to be for you. Based on this first installment of this film, I'm ready for part 2.
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